A man has died after a large sign fell and injured a number of people at a Christian festival in Steyning, Sussex Police said. <\/p>\n
The 41-year-old man from Eastbourne died at the scene at Big Church Festival on Washington Road after officers were called at around 3.38pm on Friday.<\/p>\n
At least six other people were also injured and have been taken to hospital for treatment. <\/p>\n
Police said his family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.<\/p>\n
The rest of the festival has been cancelled after a man died and six others were injured. Credit: ITV News Meridian<\/p>\n
Organisers of the festival said they were “devastated” by the “serious incident” and have cancelled the rest of the event, which was due to end on Sunday. <\/p>\n
Writing on their social media page, they said: “We are devastated by the serious incident that took place at Big Church Festival 2026 today, in which a sign fell, injuring at least seven people, one of whom tragically lost their life.<\/p>\n
“First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened.<\/p>\n
“Following today\u2019s incident, we have made the decision to bring Big Church Festival 2026 to a close.”<\/p>\n
The Bank Holiday festival has been cancelled after one person died and six others were injured Credit: ITV News Meridian<\/p>\n
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh has urged people with any information or relevant video footage to come forward. <\/p>\n
“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man\u2019s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” he said. <\/p>\n
“I recognise the immense distress this will have caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened.<\/p>\n
“We know there were thousands of people at the festival and we\u2019re urging anyone with any information, or any relevant video footage, to please come forward. You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.”<\/p>\n
The Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed her sadness and shock at the death and has offered prayers for the injured.<\/p>\n
A large emergency response, including several ambulances, was pictured at the Big Church Festival.<\/p>\n
South East Coast Ambulance Service said : “Ambulance crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams attended, alongside colleagues from Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex.<\/p>\n
“Six patients in total were assessed and treated at the scene. <\/p>\n
“Four of those patients were taken to a local hospitals for further treatment, including two patients with more serious injuries and two patients with less serious injuries.<\/p>\n
“Our thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly lost his life, and with everyone affected by this tragic incident.<\/p>\n
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